belt adjustments

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Jul 15, 2013 | 09:04 AM

hardheaded

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

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From: St.Louis Mo.

belt adjustments

anyone running their belt looser then the book calls for? stock spec. seems really tight and i would think it would be hard on the bearings.

Jul 15, 2013 | 09:21 AM

my67pnycar

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 3,504

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From: DOWN SOUTH

If its at stock spec run it that way. If you run it to loose, it will slip under load.

Jul 15, 2013 | 10:34 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardheaded

anyone running their belt looser then the book calls for? stock spec. seems really tight and i would think it would be hard on the bearings.

Just adjust it by the book! Harley have been running belts since the 1980s, so if there was going to be any problems with bearings we would all know by now. It is running loose or tight that causes problems.

Jul 15, 2013 | 10:49 AM

VinnyM

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 889

Likes: 53

From: Colorado

I run mine at the loosest spec, do a search and you will find that there are tons of opinions on belt adjustments here.

Jul 15, 2013 | 10:55 AM

lonerider2

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 181

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From: Sylva,NC

I run mine on the loose side when checked cold, ever check belt tension right after a long ride?? It really tightens up with pulley expansion.

Last edited by lonerider2; Jul 15, 2013 at 10:56 AM. Reason: spelling

Jul 15, 2013 | 10:57 AM

Rickr01

Supporter

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 4,419

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From: Vermont

Actually the spec that the Service manual has listed for my, 2010 FLHX, was modified and a SB was sent on it. The spec is not as tight as listed in the Manual. Lots of posts on this. Sorry don't have the new spec in front of me.

Jul 15, 2013 | 10:58 AM

weismanak

Novice

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 15

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From: Anchorage, AK USA

Belt Adjustments?

I read the posts about running the belt at Harley specification and I'm good with that... However, on my '06 Classic, the tension adjustment is done by half-moon washers under the axle bolt head and nut. The problem with this is that the bolt head and nut don't clamp down hard enough on those washers and it frequently comes loose, thereby allowing the axle to slide forward, loosening the belt. Any ideas as to how to keep those washers where they are supposed to be??